RECONNECT WITH YOUR MENTAL HEALTH

Shake off the pandemic blues and give yourself a break – you’re doing your best

By Patti MacMillan

The beginning of a new year. A chance at a fresh start. A time to shine a light on what is working and what is not. When it comes to mental health concerns, Greg Parker wants people in the community to know they are far from alone and that nothing should stand in the way of seeking the help they need. Parker serves as board president for the Kane County North affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Health. NAMI provides advocacy, education, support and public awareness through state and local groups across the country.

As with so many others, the Kane County community has seen an increase in heightened anxiety and depression—conditions that came to the surface or were exacerbated by the upending effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, Parker noted. “COVID has brought about significant isolation with kids in the 14-18-year age group,” said Parker, referring to the time students spent e-learning. “Online communication is not the same as talking in person. We lost that for a year and a half, and people withdrew into their own cocoons.” The after-effects are still being felt by young people as well as adults, who wrestled with quarantines and a new way of life. Distrust of their surroundings and the tendency to withdraw are behaviors Parker and others in the mental health arena continue to observe even as society has by and large returned to normal. To aid with these challenges and a host of others, NAMI Kane County North provides services that include a bi-monthly family support group, while a twice-weekly drop-in program for anyone 18 and older allows attendees a chance to get together and participate in fun group activities. About 150 clients are served by these programs every month. “The socialization aspect is so important,” Parker said. “It’s a family environment. If someone is expected to be there and isn’t, others are calling to see if they’re okay.” The organization also provides resources as it relates to counseling services. “We recommend, we suggest, we give options,” Parker said. Connecting with loved ones as well as lifestyle changes can also make a meaningful difference. “The support of a friend plus a good diet and exercise can be extremely helpful.”

n To learn more about NAMI Kane County

North, including various program details, visit www.namikcn.org. n For more information about the warning signs and symptoms of mental illness and additional tools to aid in recovery, visit www. nami.org.

Community RESOURCES

Area organizations are here to help during challenging times. With locations in Geneva and St. Charles, TriCity Family Services employs licensed counselors, social workers, marriage and family therapists and board-certified psychiatrists. Additionally, the agency provides emotional wellness workshops for children and adolescents to help in the development of key social-emotional skills. Learn more at www.tricityfamilyservices.org. Family Service Association of Greater Elgin is a non-profit United Way agency. A wide range of services are available for children, teens and adults. These include outpatient therapy, a family support program, and school-based mental health, which works to support students in a collaborative way within their learning environment while securing stable school attendance and performance. Visit www.fsaelgin.org for more information.

Make Yourself at Home!

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